Should a Seafarer Perform All Orders? Non-Seafarers Work

Should a Seafarer Perform All Orders? Non-Seafarers Work

Discipline is the foundation of safety and efficiency in the maritime profession.
However, there are situations when seafarers are asked to perform tasks not related to their professional duties — for example, painting superstructures in port, cleaning cargo holds, unloading containers, or assisting dockers.
This type of activity has an official name — Non-Seafarers Work, meaning work not belonging to seafarers’ responsibilities.Where is the line between a legitimate duty and exploitation?
Let’s analyze this issue based on international conventions and trade union agreements.

1. What Is Non-Seafarers Work

According to the ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) and IBF (International Bargaining Forum) collective agreements,
Non-Seafarers Work is any type of work that should by its nature be performed by shore-based workers, stevedores, or dockers, and not by crew members.Examples include:

• loading/unloading cargo in port;

• lashing/unlashing containers;

• cargo slinging, rope replacement, or deck work beyond regular duties;

• any activity performed to save the shipowner’s costs instead of hiring port workers.

2. Legal Framework: What Do the Conventions and Agreements Say

a) Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006)

MLC Regulation 2.1 and Standard A2.1 require that a seafarer’s employment be clearly described in the Seafarer’s Employment Agreement (SEA) and that all duties correspond to the position and qualification.
This means a seafarer cannot be required to perform work outside the scope of his professional duties or certification.

b) ILO Convention No. 147 (Merchant Shipping Convention)

It ensures that seafarers’ labour is governed by international standards, guaranteeing safety, decent working conditions, and respect for contractual obligations.
Assigning “non-core” duties without consent violates these terms.

c) ITF / IBF Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA)

Both ITF and IBF explicitly prohibit the involvement of seafarers in lashing, unlashing, cargo securing, or other types of dockers’ work without written consent.
According to the standard IBF provision — the IBF Dockers’ Clause:

“Crew shall not be required or induced to carry out cargo handling or other dockers’ work traditionally performed by shore-based workers, except in exceptional circumstances and with union consent.”

This means:

• Seafarers cannot be forced to perform such work;

• If the shipowner insists, written approval from the union or an ITF inspector is required;

• Such work may only be performed in exceptional cases, for example, at small ports without available dockers.

3. Why Do Shipowners Impose Non-Seafarers Work

The main reason is cost reduction.
Port fees and dockers’ services are expensive, and some companies attempt to shift these expenses onto the crew.
Seafarers are often told things like:

“It’s part of your shipboard duties,”
or
“Everyone should help for faster operations.”

However, such statements have no legal basis if the tasks go beyond contractual obligations and create overwork or safety risks.

4. Trade Union and ITF Position

The ITF firmly opposes the practice of Non-Seafarers Work.
In 2018, ITF issued Circular 027/IBF Dockers’ Clause, emphasizing that:

• Any cargo-handling work performed by the crew violates the CBA;

• If a shipowner enforces it, ITF may file a complaint and demand compensation for the crew;

• The vessel can be blacklisted, and the company fined.

Trade unions also advise seafarers to document violations — take photos, record dates, and report to an ITF inspector at the next port whenever possible.

5. Shipowners’ View and the IBF Compromise

Shipowners argue that short-term tasks such as checking lashing before departure form part of deck crew responsibilities.
The IBF partially recognizes this approach:
if the work is aimed at ensuring voyage safety, not replacing dockers, it is acceptable.
However, if it substitutes for shore-based personnel, it is considered a breach.

6. Flag State Practices

• Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands officially prohibit Non-Seafarers Work without trade union consent.

• Liberia, Panama, and the Marshall Islands require written notification in ship records if such work is performed.

• The United Kingdom and the Isle of Man enforce IBF CBA standards and support ITF inspection mechanisms.

• Singapore and Malta allow such work only when no shore staff is available, and overtime must be paid accordingly.

7. Seafarer’s Rights and Protection

If a seafarer refuses to perform tasks outside his contractual duties, it is not a disciplinary offense,
provided he politely refers to the contract and union regulations.In case of a conflict:

• The seafarer may submit a complaint to the Master;

• If ignored, he may contact ITF via the nearest port or online;

• Each violation can lead to penalties against the shipowner.

Furthermore, MLC 2006 guarantees every seafarer the right not to be overburdened and to work in safe conditions.

8. Conclusion

A seafarer must perform all lawful and safe duties related to his contractual role.
However, he is not obliged to perform tasks traditionally assigned to dockers or shore workers.
The so-called Non-Seafarers Work is not merely an internal matter — it is a recognized issue of international law and union protection.Compliance with the IBF Dockers’ Clause and MLC 2006 provisions helps maintain balance between the shipowner’s interests and the seafarer’s rights —
preserving the most important aspects of maritime work: dignity, fairness, and professional safety.